The next time there’s a snowstorm in your city or you can’t find any more bottled water at the grocery store, you may be wishing you had thought to stock up on some extra food before these events happened. But what should you buy? Here are the top 10 foods to stockpile based on their nutritional value, ease of storage, and overall tastiness!
1) Beans
Beans are an excellent food to stockpile because they are high in protein and fiber and low in fat. They also have a long shelf life, so you can store them for a long time without having to worry about them going bad. Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive, so you can stock up on them without breaking the bank.
You should be able to find beans at any grocery store or even from people who want to get rid of their extra canned goods. Keep in mind that beans can take anywhere from two hours to three days depending on what type of bean it is, so just make sure you don’t forget about them when cooking!
2) Rice
Rice is one of the most versatile and shelf-stable foods out there. It can be used as a main dish, side dish, or even in desserts. Plus, it has a long shelf life, so you can stockpile it without worrying about it going bad. If the power goes out and people are hungry, rice will be worth its weight in gold. Brown rice lasts six months to a year while white rice lasts four years. White rice is more popular because it’s easier to digest and takes less time than brown rice, but they both have their pros and cons. Quinoa: Quinoa packs all nine essential amino acids (making it an awesome protein source) and has a similar shelf life to rice. What sets quinoa apart from other grains is that its leaves contain iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, vitamin E—and more!
Store these items in Mylar bags (not an affiliate link) to increase shelf life to many, many years.
3) Canned Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are a great food to stockpile because they have a long shelf life and can be used in a variety of recipes. Plus, they are a good source of vitamins A and C. When choosing canned tomatoes, look for ones that are low in sodium and have no added sugar. Choose those with natural ingredients (like garlic or basil) rather than those that have added sugars like corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup. Check the label for vine-ripened tomatoes. You want them to say vine-ripened on the label as this means the vine was ripe when it was picked, which provides more nutrients than green tomatoes, which were picked early and ripened later.
4) Ramen Noodles
Ramen noodles are one of the best foods to stockpile because they are cheap, have a long shelf life, and can be eaten as is or used in a variety of recipes. Ramen is also lightweight and easy to transport, making it a great option for bugging out. While Ramen is not the most nutritious food, for long term consumption, there are a number of variations on this classic dish that you might want to try cooking up when you need some food on the go.
5) Dried Milk
Dried milk is one of the best things to have in your stockpile because it has a long shelf life and is a great source of nutrition. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are some tips on how to best store dried milk:
- Store in a cool, dry place.
- Make sure the container is airtight.
- Use within six months of opening.
- Store with silica gel packets or oxygen absorbers.
- Keep away from extreme temperatures (hot or cold).
- Keep in original packaging until use.
6) Cereal
Cereal is one of the most versatile and long-lasting foods you can stockpile. It has a long shelf life and can be eaten dry or with milk. Plus, there are so many different types of cereal that you’re sure to find one that your whole family will love. Cereal also takes up very little space in storage containers and is relatively cheap compared to other foods. That’s why it’s worth buying in bulk when it goes on sale! You’ll have enough food for breakfast for at least six months and you won’t have to worry about running out of milk either. Be careful though because some cereals go bad faster than others. Make sure to read the expiration date before purchasing it at the store!
7) Spices and Herbs
Spices and herbs are one of the best things you can stockpile. They have a long shelf life, don’t take up much space, and can turn a bland meal into something delicious. When SHTF, you’ll be glad you have a well-stocked spice cabinet. Here are some of the best spices and herbs to stockpile.
Finely ground black pepper, Kosher salt, sea salt, dried basil leaves, finely ground cumin seeds, finely ground oregano leaves, dried parsley leaves.
Italian seasoning blend (garlic powder, onion powder), dried thyme leaves, bay leaf.
Ground ginger (great for cooking), chili powder blend (which is made with powdered cayenne peppers and other seasonings).
Every time you go out to the store, grab a couple bottles of spices. They are usually on sale at Walmart, in end bins between the main shopping isles and meat and cheese sections.
8) Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is one of the best things you can stockpile for when SHTF. It has a long shelf life and can be used for cooking, as well as a fuel source. Plus, it’s a good way to get your daily dose of fat. You’ll want to keep vegetable oil in dark containers so that it doesn’t go rancid. Don’t store near any other type of oils or fats. It should also be stored in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Just like with most foods, if you’re unsure whether an oil is still good, give it a whiff. If it smells like anything but pure vegetable oil, throw it away!
9) Honey
Honey is one of the best foods to stockpile because it has an incredibly long shelf life. In fact, honey found in ancient Egyptian tombs was still edible! Not only does honey never go bad, but it also has a host of health benefits. Honey can help fight off allergies, soothe a sore throat, and even boost your immune system. It’s important to note that local honey contains more nutrients than store-bought honey, which might have been processed or heated during transportation. You should always buy locally produced raw honey from your area. It’s available at most farmers markets or through backyard beekeepers who harvest their own honey.
10) Oats
Oats are an excellent food to stockpile because they have a long shelf life and are a versatile ingredient. They can be used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and can be sweet or savory. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients like fiber and protein. Make sure you purchase quick-cooking oats, not instant oatmeal packets that come in envelopes. These require more water and take longer to cook. If the time comes when you need your oatmeal fix but the power is out, there’s a handy trick: make it on the stovetop! Heat water on high heat in a small pot until it boils. Stir in your desired amount of oats, then reduce heat to low. Cook until desired consistency is reached, stirring occasionally. You’ll end up with something similar to stovetop porridge.
These are just 10 great food items to have stocked and ready to roll, but they are a great place to start when it comes to making sure you have a stockpile of food when times get tough.
